‘Introduction to autism, including Asperger syndrome’ Employment Training and Consultancy Service

What do you know about autism? Discuss the questions below in pairs: 1. What percentage of the population has a diagnosis of autism? 0.1%, 1.1% or 9.2% 2.What is ratio of males to females with autism? 1:1, 4:1 or 6:1? 3. In applicants with autism were accepted to UK Universities. How many applicants with autism were accepted to UK Universities in 2012? 438, 890 or 1,656? 4. What strengths are commonly associated with people with autism?

Students with Autism at University (UCAS)

Statistics NAO: Supporting people with autism through adulthood: 2009 University is a major step for young people with autism owing to the change of routine, location and social environment. Without appropriate support they may not fulfil their potential and complete their degree. Students with autism are more likely to get a 1st or 2:1 if accessing DSA HESA 2011/12 Over half (2490) of the 4450 students with autism received DSA The dropout rate for students with autism was 6.9% compared to 10% of all students

What is autism? Life long developmental condition No one known cause Difficulties in two main areas -Social Communication and Interaction -Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities Affects 1.1% of population 4:1 ratio (male/female) “It explains how my brain works, and how other people behave in weird ways.”

The Autism Spectrum Asperger syndrome Autism (Classic) Above average I.Q Average I.Q. Mild learning disability Moderate learning disability

“Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid” – Albert Einstein What is equality?

Difficulties at University “When I first started I had a lot of trouble adjusting to being away from home, spent all my time studying and did not make many friends. This lead to severe depression and having to take time out from my course”. Undergraduate student (LSBU) “My main barriers have been social and I find large groups of people I don't know intimidating. As a result I rarely attend lectures and often feel very alone”. Undergraduate student (Goldsmiths)

Strengths Attention to detail Methodical approach Good memory for factual information Strong problem solving skills Strong numerical skills Different way of thinking Specialist knowledge and skills Reliable Resourceful

Social Communication and Interaction Might interpret language in a literal way May find it difficult to join in the ‘banter’ or make ‘small talk’ May not pick up on non verbal gestures/facial expressions/hints Difficulty with understanding ‘unwritten rules’

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities Difficulty understanding instinctively other people’s thoughts and feelings May have difficulty with new or unfamiliar situations Difficulty dealing with unexplained or unplanned change

Light bulbs v. lasers “I have these very focused interests and they are not as varied as other people. I compare it to light bulbs versus lasers. A light bulb will shine its light everywhere and shine all over everything. Whereas a laser only concentrates its light on a very small point but it will be a very intense point. Sometimes I wish I could just suddenly open myself to all these other things. But, I can’t do it. I just make the most of focusing my energy on what I know and what I like. I do wish I could just open my mind a bit. It’s very difficult.”

Other characteristics Anxiety and co-occurring mental health conditions Sensory sensitivities - hyper or hypo Single attention Special interests Problems with ‘executive function’ Perfectionism

Further Information Employment Training Service: Business Disability forum: Autism Services Directory: